Brands vary in quality and in addition there are different types of acrylic.

For instance in our world there is cast acrylic and extruded acrylic.

These two whilst visually the same to the untrained eye are made using different processes.

Cast due to its manufacturing process is generally a bit more expensive & has a higher optical quality

Neither should ever be called plastic or PVC. These are different again!

Be sure to ask which you are being offered if dealing with other companies.

We only ever use cast acrylic in our frames - and we prefer Perspex and Plexiglas (see fact no1 above)

useful fact no3

To UV or not UV!

An acrylic with UV resistant properties is always available as an option but you may wonder what the benefits are? Especially as it is quite a bit more expensive than cast acrylic.

The reasons are a bit scientific to explain but we will have a go!

All acrylic will block out ultra violet rays in the lower end of the UV spectrum however these are not the ones adversely effecting artwork (or indeed your skin) in the way the rays at the top end of the spectrum do.

The rays at the top end of the spectrum are more damaging. These are not blocked out using standard acrylics

If you wish to protect your artwork from any form of degeneration (such as fade) caused by UV light rays on the upper end of the UV spectrum then we recommend you use a UV retardant acrylic for framing

useful fact no4

How do you keep it clean?

You can clean acrylic with a good anti static cleaner

available at all good anti static cleaner outlets!

Alternatively, if you don't have a good convenient anti static cleaner outlet nearby

you can use a mild solution of washing up liquid and water.

Put the solution into a clean unused plant sprayer for easy use (any receptical will do actually)

Spray on and polish off with a soft lint free cloth (available at all good lint cloth outlets!)

For extra sparkle add just 1 small drop of vinegar

useful fact no5

Dealing with Static?!

Acrylic is very static - just think of that jumper you had as a kid.

If you are on a tight budget you do not need to buy an expensive static cleaner.